Event Title
Characterization of the Phytoene Desaturase Gene in Invasive Watermilfoil Populations That Exhibit Different Sensitivities to the Herbicide Fluridone
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Cell and Molecular Biology
Mentor Information
Ryan Thum, thumr@gvsu.edu
Department
Annis Water Resource Institute (AWRI)
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 11
Start Date
13-4-2011 1:00 PM
End Date
13-4-2011 2:00 PM
Keywords
Environment, Life Science
Abstract
Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) is a major invasive aquatic plant in North America that is routinely controlled with aquatic herbicides. Recent studies demonstrate reduced sensitivity to the herbicide fluridone in some populations, though the mechanism(s) for reduced sensitivity is currently unknown. Fluridone resistance has also been observed in the invasive aquatic plant species Hydrilla verticillata, and occurs via an amino acid substitution in the phytoene desaturase protein (PDS). PDS, an essential protein in carotenoid synthesis, is inhibited by fluridone. We propose PDS as a candidate gene causing response variation in EWM populations. Here, we describe initial studies to characterize variation in PDS among EWM populations that exhibit different fluridone sensitivities.
Characterization of the Phytoene Desaturase Gene in Invasive Watermilfoil Populations That Exhibit Different Sensitivities to the Herbicide Fluridone
Henry Hall Atrium 11
Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) is a major invasive aquatic plant in North America that is routinely controlled with aquatic herbicides. Recent studies demonstrate reduced sensitivity to the herbicide fluridone in some populations, though the mechanism(s) for reduced sensitivity is currently unknown. Fluridone resistance has also been observed in the invasive aquatic plant species Hydrilla verticillata, and occurs via an amino acid substitution in the phytoene desaturase protein (PDS). PDS, an essential protein in carotenoid synthesis, is inhibited by fluridone. We propose PDS as a candidate gene causing response variation in EWM populations. Here, we describe initial studies to characterize variation in PDS among EWM populations that exhibit different fluridone sensitivities.